The global commitment to sustainable transport was spotlighted in the first ever Global Sustainable Transport Conference, convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

The Global Conference brought together key stakeholders from Governments, UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to engage in a dialogue that emphasized the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. The Conference addressed all modes of transport - road, rail, air, waterborne, including both passengers and freight- and accorded priority attention to the concerns of developing countries, particularly those of Africa, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.

In the “Ashgabat Statement on Commitments and Policy Recommendations”, participants reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing the role of sustainable transport in connecting people and communities to jobs, schools and health care and in the delivery of goods and services to rural and urban communities, thus providing all with equal opportunities and leaving no one behind.

Sustainable transport drives poverty eradication and sustainable development. There are a number of SDG targets directly linked to transport, including SDG 3 on health (increased road safety), SDG 7 on energy, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 9 on resilient infrastructure, SDG 11 on sustainable cities (access to transport and expanded public transport), SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production (ending fossil fuel subsidies) and SDG 14 on oceans, seas and marine resources. In addition, sustainable transport will enable the implementation of nearly all the SDGs through inter-linkage impacts. Access to sustainable transport for all should be at the forefront, including for vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Co-chairs:

Mr. Muhametgeldi Atayev, Director of the Strategic Planning and Economic Development Institute, Turkmenistan

Mr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Vice President for the 2030 Development Agenda, UN Relations, and Partnerships, World Bank Group

Panelists:

H.E Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Transport, Thailand

Ms. Elizabeth Jones, Department for International Development (DFID), UK

Transport is a key enabler of rural development, allowing farmers, including women and small-holder farmers, to access markets, employment, health services, social interaction and the world beyond their village or local community. However, sustainable transport priorities for rural areas must go beyond simply building more all- weather roads. Achieving the 2030 Agenda in the rural context will require a holistic approach to transport: infrastructure improvements, technology transfer and innovation, emphasis on health and safety, focus on active mobility, and local economic and social development. Opportunities for a green path to development must be maximized.

While transport plays a critical role in economic and social development, the transport sector, as one of the top consumers of fossil fuels, is a major contributor to air pollution and generates a variety of emissions that impact the climate. Climate change has in turn impacts on critical transport infrastructure worldwide. Given the potential for climate related damage, disruption and delay to transport across closely interconnected global supply chains, enhancing the climate resilience of critical transport infrastructure is of strategic importance. Finding sustainable transport solutions, including adequate climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, will therefore be central to meeting the ambitious goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Technology and innovation, inter-modal links and systems, and a robust commitment to public transport will all be vital components of a low- carbon transport future.

Safe, accessible, convenient and green transport systems will be crucial to achieving sustainable development. The improvement and expansion of sustainable public transport systems, including bus rapid transit, metro, light rail systems and ferries, should be at the forefront. Short and long-range mobility solutions that harness the potential of information and communication technology, and incorporate active mobility as well as the new options stemming from the “share economy” will allow for passengers to fulfill their need for movement and for goods to be transported in a more sustainable way while minimizing the role of private vehicles and reducing energy consumption and climate impact.

International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and International Union of Railways (UIC)

Description / Thematic Focus:

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the need to adopt policies which enhance sustainable transport systems. It is clear that advances in sustainable transport will contribute to several, if not all, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Some SDGs are directly connected to sustainable transport through targets relevant to the rail and public transport sector. The event will examine how actions by transport initiatives and partnerships can contribute to delivering the SDGs.

The foreseen population growth and related rising demand for transport will necessitate massive investment in new transport and infrastructure projects and the adequate maintenance of those already in place. Already today, transport investment needs are estimated to be between one and two trillion dollars per year. Of the current total annual investments worldwide, less than 40% is received by developing countries, where the needs, but also opportunities are the greatest. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, adopted in 2015, elaborates on the many approaches that will be needed to implement the 2030 Agenda, including traditional official development assistance, domestic resource mobilization, and a wide array of partnership models. The same diversity of approaches will be needed to finance sustainable transport in the 21st century.

Sustainable transport is a challenge for all countries, but countries in special situations, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states, face particular obstacles. High transport cost, restricted access to the sea, limited air service for passengers and cargo, and difficulties securing investments and partnerships are among the challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve sustainable development in these countries. Evidence suggests that a significant share of the high trade transaction costs faced by many countries is attributable to transit-related challenges. Addressing these challenges, including through simplified, harmonized and standardized transport and transit procedures, intermodal connectivity, will go a long way in boosting economic development, sustainable tourism, and trade, while building regional and global value chains and promoting sustainable development.

Co-chairs:

Turkmenistan (TBD)

Mr. Gyan Chandra Acharya, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States

Panelists:

H.E. Mr. Brian Mushimba, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Zambia and Global Chair of the LLDC Group

H.E. Mr. Milton Claros Hinojosa, Minister of Public Works and Housing Services, Bolivia

Transport decisions—at the national and municipal levels, but also globally—must go hand in hand with energy decisions if sustainable development is to be achieved and should include a shift towards high- efficiency and low-carbon modes of transport. Sustainable energy will, by definition, serve as a precondition for and ultimately further sustainable transport. However, in the short-term developed and developing countries alike will be looking to strike the right balance between assuring access to energy and transport for this generation and preserving the planet for the next.

Co-chairs:

Turkmenistan (TBD)

Mr. Pradeep Monga, Special Representative of the UNIDO Director General on Energy and Director of Energy Department

Integrated multi-modal transport and transit systems that optimize the comparative advantages of each mode of transport are crucial in order to achieve sustainable transport of passengers and freight within and between countries. Road, rail, maritime, ferry and air transport, as well as non-motorized transport such as walking and cycling, need to be taken into account and emphasis should be placed on low-carbon-based energy modes of transport and an increased reliance on public transport systems. Sustainable multimodal transport and transit systems can provide an array of options for passenger and freight transport and successfully connect citizens and countries while supporting economic growth, social development and global trade. Transporting goods across national borders and over “the last mile” to their final destination in a safe, efficient and effective way is an ongoing challenge. Solutions will require collaboration between governments and across modes, and regional initiatives will be important to harmonize legal and policy frameworks.

With 1.3 million people killed and up to 50 million people injured every year in road accidents, road safety has to be a top priority for the global community. The establishment of adequate legal frameworks, the expansion of safe public transport systems, the transport of freight by modes that are less harmful to humans, and the creation of national road safety strategies and plans will be of critical importance in the coming decades.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Air Transportation Action Group and UN-OHRLLS

Aviation Partnership for Sustainable Development in Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States is an ICAO event co-hosted by the UN OHRLLS to raise awareness about aviation’s contribution to sustainable development in those groups of States and promoting the benefits of mobilizing resources for and investing in air transport. This event will encourage dialogue and action, to sensitize decision-makers about raising air transport as priority for development and investment, as well as to share motivation for creating this initiative and goal on the long term.

Panelists will share the need to develop the aviation sector in compliance with international requirements as adopted by ICAO, integrate it in development plans and present different financing mechanisms available to support the enhancements of air transport systems.

The Transport Business Summit is planned for 27 November 2016, and will include a wide range of issues related to the development status and perspectives of all types of transport (air, motor, railroad and marine). A range of subjects proposed for discussion will include investments in basic and auxiliary infrastructure to environment and safety issues. Please see the website for more detailed information.

A Treaty Event took place on 27 November 2016 in the margins of the Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. H.E Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan, deposited the instruments of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Control of Goods, the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network, the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network, and the Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports. Minister Meredov made remarks in the event in which he underscored the importance of the accession of the Government of Turkmenistan to these treaties. Mr. Wu Hongbo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs attended the Event and made remarks. Mr. Wu encouraged all States that have not yet done so to consider signing, ratifying or acceding to the United Nations conventions and agreements on transport and transit facilitation. He thanked Turkmenistan for leading by example.

For participating States and observers of the General Assembly, inscription in the list of speakers for the plenary meetings and the thematic roundtable discussions shall be on a first-come, first-served basis and in accordance with customary protocol, whereby precedence is given to Heads of State or Governments, followed by other Heads of Delegation.

In addition to representatives of States participating in the Conference and those of the European Union, representatives of the following may, time permitting, make a statement in the general debate: (a) intergovernmental organizations and other entities that have received a standing invitation from the General Assembly to participate in the capacity of observer in the sessions and work of all international conferences convened under its auspices; (b) specialized agencies and related organizations; (c) other intergovernmental organizations ; and (d) interested United Nations organs. The representatives of the non-governmental organizations and the private sector may also be added to the list of speakers.

Participants wishing to inscribe in the list of speakers for the Plenary Meetings and the thematic round table discussions should contact the General Assembly and Economic Affairs Division (Mr. Victor Leu (e-mail: leu@un.org; tel. +1 (212) 963-1531).

To enable maximum participation within the limited time available, it is proposed that a time limit of five minutes be established for each statement in the Plenary.

VISA

All participants of the conference holding any type of passport need to obtain visas to enter Turkmenistan. The host government has created a dedicated website for the use by all participants to apply for a visa available at: https://goo.gl/vQEoEa. When submitting an application for a visa, members of an official delegation must attach a copy of the letter of their Government (or organization) addressed to the United Nations designating them as part of the delegation, as well as the letter of confirmation from the UN approving their pre-registration at the conference. Any inquiries about visas can be emailed to: ashgabat2016st.visas@gmail.com.

Upon review of a duly submitted visa application, the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan will issue a Letter of Invitation (LOI) that will be used to grant a gratis visa at the consular sections of the Embassies of Turkmenistan, or upon arrival at the airport presenting the LOI, given that:

Holders of a United Nations laissez-passer also need to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan.

Member States

The Conference will be convened as an initiative and under the chairmanship of the Secretary- General of the United Nations. It will be held at the highest level, including Heads of States or Government. Details on access and accreditation (request for a conference pass) for different categories of participants are available below.

Access to the Conference site and conference rooms will require presentation of a valid conference pass issued by the United Nations. Delegates holding a conference pass are subject to screening at the main entrance to the Conference venue. VIP groups, including Heads of State or Government, Vice-Presidents, Crown Princes/Princesses, Deputy Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers, as well as their spouses will be exempt from screening.

The Conference will be open to all Member States of the United Nations; non-member States as well as intergovernmental organizations and other entities having received a standing invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and work of the General Assembly and the work of all international conferences convened under its auspices. Participation will be expected at the highest level. A letter of invitation from the Secretary-General to Heads of State and Government was dispatched on 20 June 2016.

Accreditation of official delegations of States and intergovernmental organizations, as well as specialized agencies and related organizations, is handled by the United Nations Protocol and Liaison Service.

Pre-accreditation in New York at the Protocol and Liaison Service in New York will commence on 20 October 2016 and will continue until 16 November 2016. Please follow the instructions specified in the paragraphs below. Permanent and Observer missions and liaison offices are strongly advised to make use of the pre-accreditation option in New York for all delegates who will participate in the Conference before the pre-accreditation deadline of 16 November 2016, as this will simplify the process and prevent delays and inconvenience for delegates in Ashgabat.

Following past practice, Heads of State or Government, Vice-Presidents and Crown Princes/ Princesses and their spouses will be provided with a VIP pass without a photograph. Deputy Prime Ministers/cabinet ministers and their spouses will be issued a VIP pass with a photograph.

For issuance of Conference badges and VIP passes, authorized users of the Permanent/Observer missions and liaison offices are required to follow the mandatory procedure below:

Submit an official communication, with official stamp and signed by the head of chancery or an authorizing official, to the Chief of Protocol, Mr. Peter Van Laere, Protocol and Liaison Service (Attn.: Ms. Wai Tak Chua), at Room S-0201 or by facsimile to +1 (212) 963-1921, providing an authorized list of the members of the delegation (with names, functional titles and affiliations) who require a Conference badge.

A copy of the same should also be sent to the General Assembly Affairs Branch, Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (Fax: +1 (212) 963-2155);

Register online via the eAccreditation system at https://delegate.un.int by completing an online accreditation form for each member of the official delegation participating in the Conference, including Heads of State or Government, Vice-Presidents, and Crown Princes/Princesses, Deputy Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers, as well as their spouses. In order for a Conference badge to be issued, the following procedure must be completed:

Step 1: Log on to the website https://delegate.un.int with the user name and password to access the eAccreditation system (for registered users only), then select the button entitled "Accreditation to the Global Sustainable Transport Conference, Ashgabat"

Step 2: Complete all mandatory fields [Please do not use acronyms and abbreviations.]

Passport-size colour photographs of all listed members of delegations, including cabinet ministers and their spouses, are required. (Photographs of Cabinet Ministers/their spouses formerly deposited with the Protocol office for UNHQ meetings will not be used. They must be attached to the online applications.) All photographs must be recent and taken not more than six months prior to the Conference. A detailed photograph specification is attached for ease of reference. Failure to submit photographs at the time of online registration or attaching photographs which do not meet the photograph specifications, will result in delegates (including ministers) having to line up to be photographed at the Accreditation Centre in Ashgabat. Delegations are reminded that photographs are not required for Heads of State or Government, Vice Presidents, Crown Princes/ Princesses, or their spouses.

Permanent/observer missions are urged to advise and coordinate with their embassies and consulates general in Turkmenistan or in the region on the proper accreditation procedure in order to avoid dual accreditation and possible confusion. In addition, early submission of accreditation requests is highly recommended in order to facilitate timely issuance of Conference badges and to reduce the waiting time at the Accreditation Centre.

Delegations are kindly reminded that the United Nations Protocol Accreditation Unit will not accredit representatives of non-governmental organizations who do not form part of the official delegations of States and intergovernmental organizations.

Review of accreditation requests: Upon verification of the information on the lists of delegations, the Protocol and Liaison Service will authorize badge applications submitted online. An approval email will be sent to the eAccreditation users of the missions/offices for each approved participant for issuance of the Conference badge at the Accreditation Centre located at the Conference venue. No approval of a Conference badge will be granted prior to receipt of the official lists of delegations or letters of nomination. Please note that the review process may take up to 4-5 days.

Collection of Conference badges: Conference badges for pre-accredited delegations may be collected at the United Nations Accreditation and Badging Centre (144 Archabil avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 744000) by a member of the delegation attending the Conference or representatives of the embassies and consulates general of states members in Turkmenistan or in the region, upon presentation of an official letter (stamped and signed) authorizing the delegate/representative to collect the Conference badges, together with a valid passport or government issued photo identification. The letter of authorization may be issued by the ministries, permanent missions to the United Nations, embassies or consulates general and must specify the name of the collector.

Delegates/representatives collecting the badges must be mindful that it is their responsibility to ensure safe delivery of the badges to members of their delegations. The United Nations Security will not issue duplicate Conference badges.

In order to compile a list of participants of the Conference, delegations of States and intergovernmental organizations are requested to submit a comprehensive list of their respective delegations to the Conference, with functional titles and designations of all the delegates, to the Protocol and Liaison Service in New York (Room S-0201, Fax: +1 (212) 963-1921) by close of business on 16 November 2016. Starting 21 November 2016, such lists can be faxed to the Protocol Accreditation Unit at the Accreditation and Badging Centre in Ashgabat (Fax: +993-12-39-8774). If the comprehensive list is not received before 24 November 2016, the Protocol Office will use the information collected from the letters of nomination received.

Starting 21 November 2016, all official communications, including lists of delegations and Conference-related materials, should be faxed to the Protocol Accreditation Unit at the Accreditation and Badging Centre in Ashgabat. The fax number is +993-12-39-8774. Delegations may also obtain the fax numbers by contacting the Protocol and Liaison Service in New York (Tel: +1 (212) 963-7171).

For any changes to the original delegation lists already submitted to the Protocol and Liaison Service, please send a separate official letter with the changes only, e.g. name of additional delegate or name of delegate no longer attending the Conference. There is no need to resend the entire delegation list every time a change is made to the delegation.

The Protocol and Liaison Service will not guarantee timely approval/delivery of Conference badges in case of late submission of accreditation requests and will not process incomplete requests such as missing official letter, list of delegation or names/functional titles/affiliates/photos.

REGISTRATION FOR NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN CONSULTATIVE STATUS WITH THE ECOSOC AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Participation in the Conference is open to pre-registered representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the ECOSOC and the private sector that have received a letter of confirmation of their registration from the United Nations. Please note that pre-registration is now closed. All confirmed pre-registered participants are required to take necessary steps to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan (for more information please see this information note)

Commitments & Partnerships

On the occasion of the Global Transport Conference, the Secretariat is encouraging all member States, UN entities, major groups and other stakeholders to register their commitments and partnerships geared at sustainable transport.

Registered initiatives, which can be entered ahead or during the Conference, will signal a strong commitment to the sustainable transport we want, to drive the changes we need - for all people on our shared planet - and will be part of the official outcome of the Global Sustainable Transport Conference.

The theme of the 2016 grant cycle is energy for sustainable transport. The objective is to fund future capacity development activities promoting energy for sustainable transport.
As part of the programme, Capacity Development Seminars are hosted to disseminate experiences and knowledge in the implementation of successful projects that promote energy for sustainable transport. The objectives of the two seminars for the 2016: 1) Build capacities on best practices and successful implementation of sustainable energy transport projects; 2) Highlight groundbreaking innovations; and 3) Address chal...[more]

Partners

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), the finalists who reached the top of the evaluation process.

To achieve integration between transportation and land use
development, the Government intends to created a unified authority
responsible for land use and transportation systems
The formulation of the most efficient plan and the creation of a new
authority will not be enough, what is most essential is the political will and
determination of the Government supported by the people’s commitment.
The Government will create systems such that the climate will be amendable
to encourage the public to participate in the policy drafting and ...[more]

This initiative builds local capacity to improve energy efficiency and reduce the emissions of a range of pollutants, supporting climate change mitigation and air quality improvement efforts in the transport sector on a sustainable basis. Policy, technology and finance-based interventions, maximise co-benefits for people, the environment and local economy. It ‘s designed for scale-up and replication regionally and internationally. Advanced Monitoring, Reporting and Verification solutions and innovative low and zero carbon emission-reduction technologies used, alongside pioneering financing ...[more]

One Day in Five is a corporate social responsibility initiative that supports employers to encourage employees to leave the car at home one day a week and use pubic and active transport to and work instead due to the social, economic and environmental benefits associated with lessening our dependency on cars. Multiple stakeholders signed on to the cause in addition to the Bus Association Victoria: the state government's road and public transport regulators (PTV & VicRoads), the state's larges employer group (VECCI) and two active transport representative groups (Bicycle Network Victoria and V...[more]

The ISDR,India has participated in implantation of Local Agenda-21 (LA 21) and the Millennium development goals (MDGs) through the local, national, regional and global institutions in Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, Africa and Latin America region. ISDR,India is participating in SDGs program through the local and global partners. For achieving SDGs , a panel discussion and meetings will be organized to formulate the strategies and plan for implementation of SDGs worldwide in association with civil societies, academic and research in...[more]

The SBA Sustainable Mobility Project is a cross-sector collaboration to lead an Australian business response to the challenges and opportunities of meeting Sydney’s mobility needs more sustainably. The project’s aim is to explore what sustainable mobility means for Sydney and how business can bring forward solutions that can shape mobility; through collaborative engagement, innovation and new business models.

To promote career opportunities for young Nigerian's especially girls in Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics ( STEM) thorough the Camp activities which makes STEM based subjects a fun to learn.
Join the Facebook group to learn more about the event and others hosted in the past
:https://www.facebook.com/groups/458837284307464/?pnref=story

‘Structured Non – Polluting Last Mile Public Connectivity’ is an important part of ‘Sustainable Transportation’, which could be a major contributor in the move of combating ‘Air & Noise Pollution’ of India and the World. While this sector provides employment to more than 20 million natives as per hypothetical estimation, every rickshaw heaver conserves minimum 2.07 ton carbon dioxide according to the study conducted by Center of Science & Environment, India.

It is a new 5-year regional programme (2017-2021) for enhancing transport connectivity with balanced integration of economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It is centred with an integrated intermodal transport system, which optimizes the development of interconnected highways, railways, waterways, ports; minimizes consumption of energy, land and other resources; generates lower emissions of greenhouse gases, ozone depleting substances and other pollutants; and minimizes the adverse social impacts arising from transport construction and operations. The system a...[more]

Recognizing the fundamental role of sustainable transport in fighting climate change and achieving sustainable development, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will convene the first-ever Global Sustainable Transport Conference. The Conference will be held on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan and will contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and targets.

2. Why is an international Conference on sustainable transport necessary?

Sustainable transport and mobility are crucial for sustainable development. They offer people access to crucial goods and services and allow them to live healthy and fulfilled lives. However, adequate transport infrastructure and affordable transport services are still lacking globally. Moreover, increased urbanization and motorization have resulted in unprecedented congestion, wasteful energy use, increased motor vehicle emissions and deteriorating urban air quality in many cities, in both industrialized and developing countries, with serious negative impacts on public health and well-being, living conditions and climate change. The furthering of sustainable transport and the establishment of affordable, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound transport systems is therefore crucial and will be at the centre of the discussions at the Conference.

3. Who will attend?

About 1,500 participants are expected to attend the Conference, including key stakeholders from Governments, UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society, to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in driving sustainable development worldwide.

4. What will be discussed?

All modes of transport—road, rail, aviation and maritime—will be addressed as well as the following issues:

Sustainable transport and sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Rural and urban transport

Public transport

Sustainable transport and climate change

Sustainable transport and energy

Road safety

Financing for sustainable transport

Countries in special situations

At the same time, discussions will address the issue of how to find a new paradigm for transport sustainability.

5. How is the Conference structured?

The Conference will be a two-day meeting (26-27 November 2016) consisting of an opening and closing ceremony. In addition, each day will contain a plenary session in the morning with statements of commitment and ambition, followed by parallel thematic discussions on various sustainable transport-related topics. Side events, including a Business Forum, will be held on the margins of the official meetings of the Conference.

6. What does the Conference hope to achieve?

Apart from offering mutual learning and knowledge exchange, the Conference will provide a platform for forging partnerships and launching initiatives to advance sustainable transport objectives.

7. Will there be side events?

Side events sponsored by Governments, UN system and other inter-governmental organizations, as well as major groups and other stakeholders, will be organized on the margins of the official meetings of the Conference. The side events will allow additional informal space for sharing experiences and provide alternative opportunities for dialogue. They will be coordinated and managed by the Conference Secretariat. Deadline for applications is 7 October 2016. For guidelines and request form, please see above under "Introduction".

Recognizing the fundamental role of sustainable transport in fighting climate change and achieving the sustainable future we want, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon will convene the first ever global conference on sustainable transport, on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. In resolution 70/197 titled “Towards comprehensive cooperation among all modes of transport for promoting sustainable multimodal transit corridors”, the General Assembly welcomed the initiative of the Secretary-General to convene the Conference.

The Conference will build on the intergovernmental discussions on sustainable transport. The outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in 2012, stresses that transportation and mobility are central to sustainable development. It recognizes the need to promote an integrated approach to policymaking at the national, regional and local levels for transport services and systems to advance sustainable development.

Transport drives development - enabling trade, tourism, and economic growth and allowing people to access jobs, services, education and the interactions that help create fulfilled lives. Sustainable transport, by extension, drives sustainable development, advancing the people-centered goals at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while protecting and preserving the planet and its resources for generations to come. For example, access to sustainable and safe transport allows young people to attend school. It facilitates women’s opportunities for employment and empowerment, and provides persons with disabilities and elderly people improved access to mobility. Sustainable transport systems enable access to markets and basic services, generate jobs and contribute to human well-being by reducing emissions and improving air quality. A move towards more sustainable transport practices will have a considerable impact on the health of our oceans, seas and terrestrial ecosystems, and will help us tackle climate change.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, also recognizes the global need to adopt policies which enhance sustainable transport systems. It is clear that advances in sustainable transport will contribute to the attainment of several, if not all, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Some SDGs are directly connected to sustainable transport through targets and indicators such as SDG 3 on health, which includes a target addressing deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents (3.6), and SDG 11 sustainable cities which includes a target on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all and on expanding public transport (11.2).

In this spirit, the Global Sustainable Transport Conference will bring together key stakeholders from Governments, UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the SDGs. All modes of transport—road, rail, aviation, ferry and maritime—will be addressed. The concerns of developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, will receive particular focus. Developing countries and their expanding cities face urgent challenges, but they also have opportunities to bypass unsustainable transport practices and find fast tracks to a new paradigm of sustainability. The Conference will shine a spotlight on these opportunities.

The programme of the Conference reflects the diversity and complexity of the transport sector and will provide a platform for forging partnerships and initiatives to advance sustainable transport objectives.